CHINNOR suffered a 33-0 defeat to Esher in their first game in more than a year – but it was a day to appreciate the return of senior rugby at Kingsey Road.

It had been 14 months since the Thame-based side had last played, with the contest taking place under adapted laws with no scrums or mauls across three 20-minute periods.

Chinnor named a 32-man squad for the behind-closed-doors fixture against the National League 2 South outfit, with 11 either coming through the youth section or previously playing for the amateur sides.

It was an attritional contest from start to finish as Esher enjoyed more possession and territory from the off, scoring two early tries to lead 12-0.

The visitors threatened to extend their lead in the second period, but Kieran Goss made a superb try-saving tackle.

The full-back was then instrumental in creating Chinnor’s best opportunity.

Breaking from half-way, he jinked past five opponents and fed Joe Pigott, who was tackled before he could get going.

As the match entered the third period, Nick Smith, Andy Berry and Max Brewer were stopped short before the ball was ripped and cleared.

Three converted tries in the final five minutes then put Esher out of sight.